FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY THERAPIES

NeuroCognitive Testing through CNS Vital Signs

This testing method is used to evaluate the neurocognitive status of patients and covers a range of mental processes from simple motor performance, attention, memory, to executive functions. Immediately following the assessment, scoring is generated into reports, giving Dr. Austin a robust view of the patient’s neurocognitive status. It gives immediate clinical insight into a patient’s current status and level of impairment.

Interactive Metronome (IM)

Dr. Austin is one of the few providers in our area who uses this engaging, evidenced-based assessment and training tool to improve patients’ cognitive and motor skills. IM has been tested with excellent results on populations with Neurobehaviorial disorders such as ADD/ADHD and ASD, Traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s Disease, Post-Stroke and Amputees.

​Similar to the way a metronome is used by musicians to keep tempo, IM uses auditory and visual feedback to gauge if a patient’s kinesthetic performance is in sync with the beat. Through rhythm and repetition, this training can improve timing in the brain. To learn more, visit interactivemetronome.com

What Can Interactive Metronome Treat?

IM can alleviate symptoms which children and adults may experience (who are frequently unnecessarily or unsuccessfully medicated), including:

Eyelights

Eyelights are neurological light and color stimulation glasses used to strengthen the weaker side of the brain, eye function and overall physical and mental performance. The colored lens contain a small unit that emits gentle “low frequency” intermittent “red” light pulses which cause electrical stimulation directly into the brain via the retina at the back of the eye. Glasses can be worn at home, work and school in conjunction with other sensory motor exercises (i.g., balancing on one leg, strength training, aerobics, stretches, cross-crawl, eye exercises, IM and vibration therapy).

Frequently learning challenges are linked to dysfunctional eye movements or the inability of eyes to move together efficiently. Eyelight Therapy can also help stimulate important brain areas that produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, involved with controlling emotions, attention span, motivation, promoting thinking before acting, muscle strength and motor function.

Athletes of all ages can use eyelights to become stronger, recover more quickly, balance muscle tone and increase overall performance.

Eyelights are available for purchase at Austin Functional Wellness and for more information visit www.eyelights.com. This is a highly specialized therapy and should be programmed and monitored by Dr. Austin or another Chiropractic Functional Neurologist.

Focus Builder App

Eye muscles are reflexively linked to core muscles. Sometimes a patient’s eye movement ability can be significantly dysfunctional without them knowing it, especially after a concussion. This can cause dizziness, headache, double vision, nausea, balance problems, core muscle instability and many other conditions. Dr. Austin utilizes the Focus Builder App to rehab the brain by programming a variety of individualized eye exercises which challenge users to voluntarily move their eyes in various patterns, speeds and directions. These eye movements exercise the weaker or less efficient eye muscles and thus activate specific parts of the brain associated with cognitive, motor and memory function depending on which eye exercise is performed. This app is not recommended for use without the expertise of a trained Chiropractic Functional Neurologist. The app can be used on iPhones or iPads. Learn more about the Focus Builder App: www.focusbuilderapp.com.

Sole Supports Orthotics

There are many routine treatments for foot problems, from anti-inflammatory pills to cortisone injections, to a million different pads, cushions, ointments and, of course, surgery. These have temporary, pain-relieving effects. But, if you want the chance to permanently solve the problem, you must change the way your feet function on the ground. And the only way to do that is to use a true custom, biomechanical orthotic: Sole Supports.

Dr. Austin has been casting Sole Support orthotics for almost 20 years with impressive results. Go to www.SoleSupports.com to find out more about how different they are from generic orthotics.

A Testimonial From One of Our Patients

My 10 year old daughter, Ellie, has Developmental Disabilities, and school was challenging for her. Dr. Austin’s initial assessment showed that Ellie’s ability to distinguish right from left (with her eyes closed), and her ability to balance, were significantly compromised. This made sense as Ellie frequently had left-sided injuries – her ankle, knee, arm, broken foot and hurt fingers.

Ellie completed 15 hours of IM and it was fun to sit in the waiting room hearing the happy sounds of my daughter beating her previous record! The self-esteem aspect of the exercises would have been enough reward. Yet there have been others, including no accidents and a G.P.A. increase from 2.27 to 3.23. WOW! Thank you.
—Julie D.